NEET UG Row: Will There Be A Re-Exam? Key Hearing In Supreme Court Today

The Supreme Court is set to hear a batch of pleas today regarding the alleged paper leaks and irregularities in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test-Undergraduate (NEET-UG) 2024 exam. The apex court had earlier noted that the sanctity of the exam was compromised, and a re-test might be ordered based on the extent of the malpractice. However, the Centre has opposed a re-test, claiming that a report from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras dismissed claims of widespread wrongdoing.

In its affidavit, the Centre stated that the National Testing Agency (NTA) had analyzed the marks distribution among NEET-UG candidates at the national, state, city, and centre levels, indicating that the process was normal and unaffected by external factors. The Centre also claimed that the NTA had taken necessary measures to prevent any irregularities during the exam.

A total of 40 petitions have been listed for hearing today, with a three-judge bench, led by Chief Justice of India (CJI) DY Chandrachud, presiding over the matter. During the previous hearing on July 8, the Supreme Court had asked the NTA to provide detailed information about the NEET-UG question paper leak, including when it occurred, how it happened, and the time gap between the leak and the actual examination held on May 5.

The court had also sought an affidavit from the Centre outlining the action taken by the government in the paper leak case. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) was asked to submit a status report, as it had taken over the investigation from the Bihar Enforcement Directorate (EOW).

The court acknowledged that there were indeed discrepancies in the conduct of the exam, stating, “The fact that the sanctity of the exam has been compromised is beyond doubt. It is an admitted fact that there is a leak, and the nature of the leak is something that we are determining. If it is not extensive, then there is no cancellation. But before we order a re-test, we must be conscious of the extent of the leak as we are dealing with 23 lakh students.”

The Centre has informed the Supreme Court that it intends to begin the counselling process for NEET-UG by the third week of July, which will be conducted in four phases. The counselling of candidates found to have benefited from any irregularity will be cancelled. The counselling was initially scheduled for July 8 but was postponed due to the ongoing legal proceedings.

The Supreme Court’s decision today is expected to have a significant impact on the future of over 23 lakh students who appeared for the NEET-UG exam. The court’s ruling will determine whether a re-exam will be conducted or not, and what measures will be taken to ensure the integrity of the exam process.